Tavus

Build face-to-face AI avatars that see, hear, and respond in real time.

Intermediate API
Screenshot of Tavus, Build face-to-face AI avatars that see, hear, and respond in real time

What is Tavus?

Tavus is an AI video talk tool that builds face-to-face AI avatars that see, hear, and respond in real time. Tavus offers real-time AI avatars called PALs that can see, hear, and respond in face-to-face video. Developers use an API, non-technical users use the no-code PAL Maker, and enterprises get fully managed deployments.

Tavus is an AI research lab that builds what it calls PALs (personified application layers): real-time avatars that can see, hear, and speak in a natural, face-to-face video format. The core proposition is a human interface for AI, where software feels less like a text box and more like a conversation with a person. The company has been developing these models since 2020 and reports that its latest model, Griffin, passed a real-time video Turing test in which 48 percent of viewers thought it was a real person. The product is split into two main audiences. Developers get an API for embedding real-time, face-to-face AI conversations into their own applications, with control over appearance, voice, personality, and memory. Non-technical users can build a PAL through the PAL Maker, a no-code interface that walks through creating and launching an agent in minutes. For larger organizations, Tavus offers fully managed enterprise solutions where the team designs, tunes, and scales a custom PAL from concept to production. In practice, a PAL can present decks, create visuals on the fly, share its screen, and join Zoom or Google Meet calls. It reads expressions and focus through its camera-based eyes, interprets tone and hesitation through its ears, and uses memory to continue conversations across sessions. The face expresses emotion and moves naturally, while the voice carries the rhythm and inflection of human speech. This makes Tavus suitable for customer support, sales outreach, coaching, education, and any scenario where a talking head adds a human layer to an automated workflow. Among alternatives, Tavus stands out for its emphasis on real-time, bidirectional video rather than scripted avatar videos. Tools focused on prerecorded avatar clips are cheaper for one-off marketing content, but Tavus targets live, interactive agents that can respond to what they see and hear. The platform is web-based and supports both self-serve and API-first paths, with a free starting point for exploration.

How do you use Tavus?

  1. 1Choose your account type
    Visit the sign-up page and select either Developer Account for API access or PALs Account for personal AI companions. You can switch between account types later.
  2. 2Create a PAL with the PAL Maker
    After signing in, open the PAL Maker and follow the prompts to define your PAL. Give it a purpose, such as a math tutor, and configure its personality and voice.
  3. 3Customize appearance and capabilities
    Upload or select a face, set the voice, and choose skills like screen sharing or joining video calls. Memory is enabled by default so the PAL remembers conversations.
  4. 4Test your PAL in a live conversation
    Use the built-in preview to speak with your PAL in real time. Check that it reads your expressions, responds naturally, and handles interruptions correctly.
  5. 5Deploy via API or share a link
    Developers can copy the API credentials and embed the PAL in their own application. Non-technical users can share a link or add the PAL to a meeting.
  6. 6Explore research and vision
    Read the research page to understand the models behind PALs and the vision page for the broader direction of human computing at Tavus.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Real-time face-to-face interaction with emotional expression and natural voiceAI
  • No-code PAL Maker lets non-technical users launch an avatar in minutesAI
  • API access supports deep customization of appearance, voice, and memoryAI
  • PALs can join Zoom or Google Meet calls and share screens out of the boxAI
  • Developers can start building for free and scale with enterprise solutionsAI

Cons

  • The API and customization options may require significant engineering effortAI
  • Enterprise solutions are bespoke, so pricing and timelines are not publicAI
  • Real-time video streaming depends on stable network conditions for qualityAI
  • Limited transparency around data handling and model limitations on the homepageAI
  • The PALs consumer offering and developer platform are separate account typesAI

How much does Tavus cost?

Free trial

A free starting point is mentioned on the homepage: developers can build now and self-serve users can start for free with the PAL Maker. No trial length or usage limits are stated.

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Integrations

PALs can join Zoom and Google Meet calls out of the box. No other integrations are listed on the homepage.

Features

PALs combine a expressive face, natural real-time voice, configurable personality and persistent memory, and practical skills such as presenting decks, creating visuals, sharing screens, and joining Zoom or Google Meet calls. The platform offers an API for custom integrations, a no-code PAL Maker for quick builds, and fully managed enterprise solutions.

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Frequently asked questions about Tavus

  • Does Tavus offer a free trial?
    A free starting point is mentioned on the homepage: developers can build now and self-serve users can start for free with the PAL Maker. No trial length or usage limits are stated.
  • Does Tavus have an API?
    Yes, Tavus offers an API.
  • How do you use Tavus?
    The walkthrough on this page covers 6 steps: 1. Choose your account type 2. Create a PAL with the PAL Maker 3. Customize appearance and capabilities 4. Test your PAL in a live conversation 5. Deploy via API or share a link 6. Explore research and vision.
  • What platforms does Tavus support?
    Tavus is available on Web App.
  • What does Tavus integrate with?
    PALs can join Zoom and Google Meet calls out of the box. No other integrations are listed on the homepage.
  • What are the limitations of Tavus?
    The API and customization options may require significant engineering effort. Enterprise solutions are bespoke, so pricing and timelines are not public. Real-time video streaming depends on stable network conditions for quality.

Status

StatusActive
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Added10/21/2026

Platforms

Web App

Pricing

Freemium